Chapter Twelve: Moving into The Packhouse (Part One)
Tuesday Evening
Emerald's POV:
I didn't even realize that I had missed most of my classes today. I'll have to go to the office and get a slip for tomorrow. Knowing how the vice principal is regarding scholarship students missing classes, she won't let me off easy. Hannah told me to mention her brothers to get some leeway, but I had no intention of doing that. I didn't want the quads to think that I was profiting off the fact that I was their so-called mate. Plus, I doubt she'd even believe me.
After joining up with our friends, I could see their questioning looks. They were trying their best to hold off any more questions, seeing that I wasn't all that keen when we last met in the morning. As we were making our way to the student centre, an announcement blared over the speakers on campus that we were to head to the auditorium for a special announcement by the Alphas, and it was mandatory. I paled instantly, I thought they would consider my request of not announcing anything yet, but I guess it was wishful thinking. I sighed and tugged along slowly behind everyone. I was not looking forward to this one bit.
Walking up to the auditorium, I saw students rushing in, probably wanting to catch front row seats to my soon-to-be misery. At the same time, some she-wolves stayed behind, fixing their makeup, and tugging up their clothes as much as possible to show some skin, probably to attract the Alphas. Oh, how they'll be disappointed very soon! Walking up to the entrance, we see Luca waiting outside, seeing us, he walks up to our group and first pecks Hannah's lips. Despite being mad at him, I could see the blush forming on her cheeks. At least she was happy. He then turned to the rest of us.
"All of you, go ahead and take your seats. The Luna and Hannah will catch up with you after the announcement,” said Luca to all our friends. Seeing they didn't have much choice, they nodded and left, not before Ela and Leah gave me a reassuring hug.
"Luna, the Alphas are waiting upfront for you, I'll take you to them,” said Luca. I simply nodded and waited for him to lead the way.
As soon as I reached the quads, I was engulfed in a big bear hug. Alpha Ezekiel and Alpha Samael had their heads in the crook of either side of my neck, while the other two Alphas held my hands. Unintentionally, I relaxed into their touch, despite my mind telling me that it would give them the wrong idea, but my body was betraying me.
"Baby, are you ready?" asked Alpha Samael.
Will I ever be ready? Probably not.
I thought about giving it one last try to convince the quads to postpone the announcement, who knows, maybe by some miracle they'll listen.
"Alphas, maybe we should…,” before I could even finish, Alpha Ezekiel spoke,
"Luna, we all know what you want to say, and the answer is no, you are to be announced as their future Luna and our mate. So, I would suggest you accept it." I could hear the edge to his voice, probably frustrated by my constant nagging at this point.
But I didn't want to get in any trouble, so I simply nodded and watched the Alphas stalk up the stage in front of everyone.
As soon as the quads stood tall middle stage, everyone quietened down. I could see the she-wolves ogling them, practically undressing them with their eyes, while the boys were sizing them up. I felt a tiny ping of jealousy when I saw all the girls trying to catch the quads’ attention by flashing seductive glances or giggling. I knew many she-wolves wanted to be with them; who wouldn't want four gorgeous boyfriends catering to your every whim and need!
"Storm Academy, it's always a pleasure being here. First off we would like to apologize if we interrupted anything of importance. We won't take much of your time as we'll go into more detail about the matters discussed here in the pack meeting. You all must be wondering why the sudden assembly. We have been waiting for our Luna for about five years now, and with the utmost happiness, I can say that our wait is over, we have finally found her….,” I could hear the sudden gasps alongside the cheers from everyone.
"…we would like to introduce you to our mate and your future Luna, Emerald Hutton!” boomed Alpha Ezekiel, while Alpha Azrael reached down for my hand.
I could hear the mummers along with the cheers booming in the hall. From what I could tell, not everyone was happy about me being mated to the quads, especially the majority of the she-wolves. Well, there goes my senior year, if life wasn't already peachy enough for me at the academy.
I placed my hand in Alpha Azrael's hand, and came to stand between him and Alpha Zaqeil. Probably sensing my uneasiness, Alpha Zaqeil gave my hand a little squeeze and smiled.
"We hope you all accept your Luna with the utmost happiness and show her the same respect you show us. We will not tolerate any disrespect or hostility towards her,” said Alpha Samael with a stern voice, sensing the negative vibes going around.
"Yes, Alpha!” everyone chorused together.
"The rest will be explained further in the pack meeting as mentioned earlier. For now, you're all dismissed!” said Alpha Azrael. Everyone started to exit, leaving behind the professors, principal, Hannah, Luca, the quads, and me.
After another round of congratulations from the professors and them praising my academics, to which the quads beamed with pride, everyone left.
"Angel, why don't you and Hannah go pack up your dorm rooms with Luca so we can head back. We have to talk to the principal until then,” said Alpha Zaqeil. I nodded and followed Luca and Hannah to our dorm.
Luca and Hannah were lost in their conversation as we went toward our dorm. So, without paying much attention to them, I went to my room and took out the suitcases that I had literally unpacked, like yesterday, to pack again.
I had no clue how this would work without me feeling the mate-bond, and the constant fear of being replaced or cheated on. How was I supposed to feel anything slightly romantic or love related when my heart had been shattered less than twenty-four hours ago. I know the mate-bond is said to be strong and would help me heal once it hits, but I was scared. What if in the next few days the quads realize I'm not mate material and reject me. I don't think I'd be able to take that.
The thought of mum and dad was also lingering in my mind. I hadn't called mum back to tell her I had reached school and settled in. So how was I supposed to say to her that Eli mated with Leah, and I was claimed by the future Alphas and forced to move into the packhouse?
Ughh! My life has become an absolute crap-show!
"My love, do you need any help?" asked Alpha Azrael behind me, as he came in with Alpha Samael in tow. I jumped, startled.
When did he get here? I hadn't heard anyone coming in.
"No. I'm all done, thank you though," I replied. He just smiled and came forward to take my suitcases. Alpha Samael came towards me and held my hand in his, interlacing our fingers and walking us out of the dorm room.
After a silent few minutes, we were all in the parking lot. Luca and Hannah got into Luca's Ferrari while the Alphas helped me climb into their car. Again, the drive was silent with me in the back with Alpha Ezekiel and Alpha Azrael, while Alpha Samael drove with Alpha Zaqeil in the passenger seat.
"Luna, we know this is a big change for you. You probably even hate us right now, but that's only because you don't feel the bond and probably see us as unreasonable now….,” well, they got the latter right at least, I mentally scoffed. They didn't need to force Hannah and I to move into the packhouse with them.
"…we are positive that you'll start feeling the bond and will be happy in a few days. All we ask of you right now is just to keep an open mind,” said Alpha Ezekiel, while he held my hand.
I just nodded, there wasn't much I could do anyway. Hannah did say that I should give them a chance, but it's just so hard when my heart is already broken and my supposed-to-be mates are known womanizers.